Composition for the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, a Cannabis plant extract comprising Cannabinol preferably with other constituents of this plant for such use and a method for the extraction of plants. The plants or plant parts may for instance be derived from  Cannabis sativa  and/or  Cannabis indica  and/or  Cannabis ruderalis  and/or citrus fruits, and mixtures thereof. The plant extracts derived showed particularly beneficial effects against sleeping disorders, in particular insomnia, and anxiety disorders including ADHD.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders. The invention further relates to a plant extract comprising Cannabinol for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders. The invention further relates to a method for the extraction of plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cannabis is a very rapidly growing plant, attaining a usual height of three to twenty feet at maturity. Cannabis is dioecious, which means that there are sexually distinct male and female plants. The known species are Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis with multiple strains in cultivation.

Cannabis use for medicinal purposes dates back at least 3,000 years. It was introduced into Western medicine in the 1840s by W. B. O'Shaughnessy, a surgeon who learned of its medicinal properties while working in India for the British East Indies Company. In most countries, growth and use of Cannabis plants is restricted due to the presence of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), along with a plethora of other cannabinoid compounds, terpenes and phenols that do not necessarily share THC's psychoactive effects. The use of Cannabis is prohibited in many countries as it is considered a drug due to its psychoactive constituent THC.

Some medical uses of Cannabis extracts and isolated compounds are recognized in published peer reviewed literature, as shown in the reference list below, and continue to stimulate increased interest among physicians and patients for multiple medical applications. For instance, cannabis extracts are included in a SATIVEX product approved by regulatory authorities in UK, Spain, New Zealand and Canada to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis (http://www.gwpharm.com/Sativex.aspx).

U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,507 patent from National Institutes of Health (Hampson et al) describes Cannabis spp. isolated compounds called cannabinoids that have antioxidant La properties, and mentions possible use in the treatment of ischemic, age-related, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The cannabinoids are said to have particular applications as neuroprotectants, for example in limiting neurological damage following ischemic insults, such as stroke and trauma, or in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and HIV related dementia. Cannabidiol is mentioned in particular, as it lacks the toxic and psychoactive effects of THC.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide new medicinal uses of Cannabis plant extracts and cannabinoids.

As a serendipitous discovery, it was found that extracts from Cannabis sativa extract prepared in a particular manner (harvested after fruits have formed, dried and extracted using ethanol, with ethanol evaporated) have a positive effect on a number of common neurobehavioral disorders. Plants may be extracted using various solvents with preferably but not exclusively ethyl alcohol as an extraction solvent. The extract may be used as such, or may be processed into liquid or solid formulations, such as tonics, powders, tablets and capsules. The extract is preferably administered orally or delivered directly to the mucosa using acceptable methods of delivery.

The invention provides a composition for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, including treatment for insomnia wherein the composition comprises a plant extract comprising Cannabinol and other natural constituents contained in Cannabis plants extract as prepared above.

The invention relates to a composition for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, plant extracts obtained from preferably but not exclusively from Cannabis spp. comprising preferably but not exclusively Cannabinol and other naturally occurring constituents for such use. The invention also describes method to prepare Cannabinol—rich plant derived composition, said composition containing naturally extracted Cannabinol (or enriched with synthetic Cannabinol) and terpens and/or phenols preferably but not necessarily obtained from Cannabis spp.

As a serendipitous discovery, it was found that extracts from plants other than the Cannabis plants, in particular Citrus plant extracts and isolates, with relatively high Cannabinol content have a positive effect on a number of common neurobehavioral disorders. Plants may be extracted using various solvents with ethyl alcohol is a preferred extraction solvent. The extract may be used as such, or may be processed into liquid or solid formulations, such as tonics, powders, tablets and capsules. The extract is preferably administered orally.

Preferably, the plant extract comprises at least 80% w/w Cannabinol preferably but not exclusively combined with other constituents from Cannabis plants. As a preferred plant source, the extract is derived as a plant extract of Cannabis sativa and/or cannabis indica. As an alternative source, the extract may be derived as a plant extract or isolated from a citrus fruit, preferably Citrus sinensis (oranges). For citrus fruits including oranges, the extract is preferably derived from the peel of the fruit. Besides Cannabinol, the extract may contain other compounds, including other cannabinoids, The composition may further comprise terpenes and phenols, in particular terpenes and phenols derived from Cannabis sativa and/or Cannabis indica and/or Cannabis ruderalis.

It is preferred if the amount of psychoactive cannabinoids in the composition is below a is predetermined threshold for having a psychoactive effect. For the beneficial effect on neurobehavioral disorders, the psychoactive effect related to cannabinoids such as THC is regarded as an undesirable side effect. Cannabinol is described by the state of art as not having a psychoactive effect.

Preferably, the composition is essentially free of tetrahydroCannabinol (THC). In view of the invention, compositions are regarded as free of tetrahydrocannabinol if they comprise THC levels of 0.2% w/w or lower.

The plant extract as described herein show a particularly beneficial relief if the neurobehavioral disorder is a sleep disorder. The extracts are effective against various sleep disorders, including types of insomnia such as acute and chronic insomnia.

The extract as described herein is also effective against anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders on which the extracts have a beneficial effect include the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Preferably, the composition is an oral composition, preferably a liquid, a powder or a tablet or a composition that can be delivered to the mucosal tissues using optimal methods of delivery that are available in the state of art. Such formulations may be prepared using physiologically acceptable excipients, including liquid or solid carrier. The extract may also be included in food compositions. Other formulations such a patch or systemic delivery may be acceptable in treating particular medical conditions

Preferably, the composition comprises at least one flavoring agent masking the taste of Cannabinol. Suitable masking agents for the taste of Cannabinol include preferably but not exclusively citrus flavours such as orange, lemon and grapefruit, with or without additional sweeteners.

Such composition will be suitable to be used in food products and drinks.

The invention further provides a plant extract comprising Cannabinol for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders.

The invention also provides synthetic cannabinol formulated with at least one terpene and/or phenol, preferably isolated from a Cannabis plant, and optionally with other excipients, for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders.

The invention also provides a method for the extraction of plants, comprising the steps of

-   -   a) Providing of plants or plant parts with said activity     -   b) Providing of plants or plant parts with said activity         comprising Cannabinol;     -   c) Letting the plant mature till fruits are obtained     -   d) Drying of the plants or plant parts to obtain dried plant         material     -   c) Grinding of the plant parts to obtain plant powder     -   d) Extraction of the plant powder using an extraction solvent o         obtain a plant extract; and     -   e) Optionally evaporating the extraction solvent to obtain a         concentrated plant extract.     -   f) Optionally enriched the plant extract with naturally isolated         or synthetic Cannabinol

The plants or plan parts may for instance be derived from Cannabis sativa and/or Cannabis indica or Cannabis ruderalis and/or citrus fruit such as Citrus sinensis, and mixtures thereof. The drying and grinding may be done using regular laboratory or industrial equipment. For the extraction, preferably organic solvents are used. Ethyl alcohol was shown to be a particularly suitable extract. The extraction solvent may be removed by evaporation to leave a sticky concentrated extract. The concentrated extract may be further purified using techniques such as washing, recrystallization, chromatography, distillation (either regular distillation, vacuum distillation or steam distillation), sublimation, hot air extraction or combinations thereof.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Cannabis Extract

The mode of preparation of the material was perceived to be sufficient to obtain a CBN-rich extract. Fully grown mature Cannabis sativa plants were harvested later than normal (with fruits). The late-harvested plants contain a relatively high content of Cannabinol (CBN) and a reduced amount of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to earlier-harvested cannabis plants. In state of art cannabis extract producers would carefully control the time of harvest, the storage and extraction method to avoid loss of THC. Extract preparation to obtain CBN requires different conditions and it is not an accidental by-product of THC rich extract production.

Earlier harvested plants contain more THC and less CBN. The THC content can be reduced by further chemical purification techniques to a level where a typical dose by ingestion does not display the undesirable psychoactive effect related to THC. Known purification techniques for cannabinoids include the chromatography, extraction, recrystallization, vacuum distillation and sublimation.

The plants where dried under reduced pressure at 45 degrees for over 4 hours until the machine indicator showed that the material was fully dried and the amount of water still remaining in the plants was under 5%. Subsequently, the dried batch of plants was powdered and alcohol extracted, and the alcohol content was reduced by evaporation under reduced pressure to obtain a sticky concentrated extract.

Chemical analysis has shown that in the plant material contained a high content (>80%) of a non-psychoactive chemical constituent, Cannabinol, among other cannabinoids, terpenes and phenols. Methods for analysis can be found for instance in Mahadevan A, Siegel C, Martin B R, Abood M E, Beletskaya I, Razdan R K (October 2000). “Novel Cannabinol probes for CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors”. Journal of Medical Chemistry 43 (20): 3778-85.

Example 2 Treatment of Insomnia with Cannabis Extract

Approximately 25 mg of the cannabis extract according to example 1 was ingested by a 28 years old male with the intent of recreational use, but the effect was unexpected: instead of the usual THC associated effect, the so-called high, intensification of sensation and increased clarity of perception, the ingestion resulted in relaxation and 6-8h sleep perceived as very comfortable.

The same extract was subsequently used by six males:

-   1. Male: 43 (with chronic insomnia) (twice) -   2. Male: 52 (twice) -   3. Male: 50 (has chronic insomnia) (twice) -   4. Male: 45 one time -   5. Male: 49 (acute insomnia) one time -   6. Male: 73 (chronic insomnia) one time

The results indicated that the extracts derived from Cannabis having a relatively high amount of the non-psychoactive Cannabinol have a potent sleep inducing effect, counteracting successfully pre-existing insomnia.

Example 3 Treatment of Insomnia with Purified Cannabinol

When pure Cannabinol was obtained using regular chemical laboratory synthesis, a similar effect of relaxation and good quality sleep were obtained when such compound was ingested by five male volunteers suffering from insomnia. Each test subject ingested the substance once at a dose of 20 mg cannabinol. The effect was perceived to have similar efficacy by the volunteer who had also ingested the extract as described in example 1.

This result indicates that Cannabinol has a strong effect in the treatment of insomnia, although it is possible other compounds in the extract also contribute to the effect. As a second conclusion, it is shown that the desired effect is independent of the presence of the psychoactive components of cannabis, in particular not dependent on THC.

Example 4 Treatment of Anxiety and ADHD

The effect of the extract according to example 1 included one male subject, age 49 suffering from mild anxiety disorder. This subject ingested once the cannabis extract according to example 1 in a dose comprising approximately 25 mg of the extract, and indicated a lowering of anxiety, with an improved mental and physical control. This data would suggest that the said extract is applicable not just in treating anxiety but will also be useful in managing attention deficit disorder (ADHD) symptoms.

Example 5 Oral Dosing (Gavage) of Cannabinol (Range 0.01-0.5 mg/Kg Daily) in C57BL6 Mice Preface

Cannabinol is a carbon-containing terpenophenolic compound produced uniquely by Cannabis species (e.g., Cannabis sativa L.). Cannabinol (CBN) is suspected to have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, being delta-9-THC the main component of Cannabis sativa L. with psychoactive effect (high), the psychoactive effects of CBN are expected to be minimal, thus making this compound potentially useful as treatment for a variety of diseases or conditions. However, conditions for optimal administration are still unclear.

The experiment is designed to test a range of concentrations around the equivalent previously tested in humans for single-dose kinetics. Animal experiments were performed following the directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.

Mice

6 groups of 5-6 male C57BL6 of approximately 28 g body weight (range 27-30 g) with the use of one cage for 3 mice: Group 0: Pure Olive Oil, Group 1: CBN at 0.01 mg/Kg body weight, Group 2: CBN at 0.05 mg/Kg body weight, Group 3: CBN at 0.1 mg/Kg body weight, Group 4: CBN at 0.25 mg/Kg body weight and Group 5: CBN at 0.50 mg/Kg body weight

Materials

-   -   Correctly sized feeding needles (see chart below)

Mouse Gauge Length Ball Diameter weight (G) (inch) (mm) 25-32 g 18 2 2.25

-   -   Appropriate sized syringes     -   Sterilized glass Volumetric flasks (1×50 ml, 1×20 ml, 2×10 ml,         3×5 ml)     -   Magnetic stirrer     -   Sterilized stir bar     -   Pure Cannabinol (stored at −4° C.) obtained from THC Pharm GmbH     -   Olive oil for human consumption (minimum 750 ml)     -   Sterile Eppendorf vials 0.5-1.5 ml     -   Sterile Falcon Vials (10 mL)     -   Appropriate Pipettes and tips     -   2 empty cages to allocate mouse temporarily during the gavage         procedure

Preparation of the Solutions

Solutions (named CBN 0, CBN 1, CBN 2, CBN 3, CBN 4, CBN 5, Pure Olive Oil) having different cannabinol concentrations dissolved in olive oil were prepared in sterile conditions, under a laminar flood hood. Pure olive oil was used as a negative control.

Instruction to prepare CBN 0 (5 mg/ml): Weight 50 mg Cannabinol over an aluminium foil. Carefully dispense the 50 mg in a 10 ml glass volumetric flask and add 10 mL of olive oil. Use a sterile magnetic stirrer to allow complete dissolution. Instruction to prepare CBN 1-5 and Pure Olive Oil: Follow the instruction in Table 1 to prepare CBN1-5 by diluting the appropriate CBN solution. Prepare CBN 1 in the 20 ml volumetric flask; CBN 2, CBN 3 and CBN 5 in the 5 ml volumetric flask; CBN 4 in the 10 ml volumetric flask. Dispense Pure olive Oil in the 50 ml volumetric flask.

TABLE 1 Instruction to prepare solutions CBN 1-5 CBN Name Concen- Volume Volume Volume Volume Final of the tration General Instructions CBN 0 CBN 1 CBN 4 Olive oil Volume Solution (mg/mL) to prepare CBN 1-5 (mL) (mL) (mL) (mL) (mL) CBN 1 0.5 Dilute 2 ml CBN 0 2 — — 18 20 in olive oil (1:10) CBN 2 0.25 Dilute 2.5 ml CBN 1 2.5 — 2.5 5 in olive oil (1:2) CBN 3 0.1 Dilute 1 mL CBN 1 in olive oil (1:5) — 1 — 4 5 CBN 4 0.05 Dilute 1 ml CBN 1 — 1 — 9 10 in olive oil (1:10) CBN 5 0.01 Dilute 1 ml CBN 4 — — 1 4 5 in olive oil (1:5) Pure 0 — — — — 5 50 Olive Oil (POO)

Procedure

The volume that can be administered to the animal should not exceed 10 ml/kg. For a mouse of 20 g the maximum volume corresponds to 0.2 ml. For this procedure a volume of 0.1 ml will be used (half of the maximum volume). 1 ml of each stock solution (cannabinol, CBN 1-5 and pure olive oil, POO) was dispensed into Falcon vials. Prior to the administration, the weight of each mouse was recorded and the appropriate amount of cannabinol solution was determined. For the POO group always 0.1 ml was dispensed in 6 an eppendorf vessel, for the other experimental groups transfer the amounts of CBN 1-5 and POO according to table 2 were used in an eppendorf vial. The amounts to be administered were adjusted depending on mouse group and individual weights.

TABLE 2 Amount of CBN 1-5 and POO to be mixed prior administration to each mouse group. Mouse CBN 1 CBN 2 CBN 3 CBN 4 CBN 5 POO Total group (ml) (ml) (ml) (ml) (ml) (ml) (ml) Group 1 0.028 0.072 0.1 (0.01 mg/kg) Group 2 0.028 0.072 0.1 (0.05 mg/kg) Group 3 0.028 0,072 0.1 (0.1 mg/Kg) Group 4 0.028 0.072 0.1 (0.25 mg/Kg) Group 5 0.028 0.072 0.1 (0.5 mg/Kg)

Administration of the Solution

Use the syringe to aspire 0.1 ml from the prepared solution. Prior to performing the oral dosing procedure, measure the distance from the oral cavity to the end of the xyphoid process (caudal point of the sternum) with the feeding needle on the outside of the restrained animal, as shown in FIG. 1. This will be how far the needle will be inserted into the oesophagus. Do not at any time force the needle down the oesophagus, this may cause tears to the oesophagus, injury to the animal, or you may inadvertently force the needle down the trachea.

With the feeding needle attached to the filled syringe, slide the end of the feeding o needle along the roof of the animal's oral cavity towards the animal's left side. The feeding needle should slide down the oesophagus with gravity alone. There should be no resistance when passing the feeding needle (FIG. 2). The gavage needle may rotate clockwise slightly as it passes the epiglottis and into the oesophagus. The animal may gag when the needle is passed; this is normal. If there is any resistance or if the animal struggles excessively remove the feeding needle, ensure you have good restraint on the animal and attempt to pass the needle again.

Once the feeding needle is in to the premeasured distance, slowly inject the solution to minimize the fluid coming back up the oesophagus. There should be no resistance while injecting the needle will be in the distal oesophagus, not the stomach (FIG. 3). Remove the feeding needle in the opposite direction from insertion and return the animal to its cage.

Monitor the animal for potential complications: Esophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus), perforation of the oesophagus or trachea, damage to the cardiac sphincter (upper stomach sphincter) insertion of needle and solution into the lungs, lung perforation, damage to the oral cavity, aspiration of solution into the lungs from regurgitation, traumatic injuries related to improper restrain.

Results Safety Data:

No presence of aggressive behaviour, neither evident clinical alterations, such as presence of tremors, were observed in the experimental groups. One mouse in G4 showed immediate clinical signs of asphyxia after administration of the compound. This was found to be the consequence of an erroneous insertion of needle and solution into the lungs and the mouse was excluded from the experiments.

Sleep Monitoring:

The graphical representation of the mean number of mice sleeping within each group 30 minutes following single administration of the compound at 3 consecutive days is shown in FIG. 4. All 5 doses tested increased significantly the number of mice sleeping 30 minutes after administration of Cannabinol at 3 consecutive days. This indicates that the liquid oral formulation in olive oil can be used to enhance sleep.

Body Weight:

No significant changes of body weight within experimental groups with time or among experimental groups at fixed time were observed.

Organ Weight:

The mean weights (and standard deviations) of spleen, liver and kidney from all mice groups at sacrifice are monitored. No significant changes in liver and kidney weights were observed among experimental groups.

References

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1. Composition for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders, wherein the composition comprises a plant extract comprising Cannabinol, and optionally physiologically acceptable excipients.
 2. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the plant extract comprises at least 80% w/w Cannabinol.
 3. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the extract is derived as a plant extract of Cannabis sativa and/or cannabis indica.
 4. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the extract is derived as a plant extract of a citrus fruit, preferably Citrus sinensis.
 5. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises terpenes and phenols, in particular terpenes and phenols derived from Cannabis sativa and/or cannabis indica.
 6. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of psychoactive cannabinoids in the composition is below a predetermined threshold for having a psychoactive effect.
 7. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is essentially free of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
 8. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the neurobehavioral disorder is a sleep disorder, including insomnia.
 9. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the neurobehavioral disorder is an anxiety disorder, including ADHD.
 10. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is a food or a drink providing relaxing and/or sleep enhancing effects.
 11. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition is an oral composition, preferably a liquid, a powder or a tablet.
 12. Composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises taste masking excipients.
 13. A plant extract comprising Cannabinol for use in the treatment of neurobehavioral disorders.
 14. Method for the extraction of plants, comprising the steps of a) Providing of plants or plant parts comprising Cannabinol; b) Drying of the plants or plant parts to obtain dried plants; c) Grinding of the plant parts to obtain plant powder d) Extraction of the plant powder using an extraction solvent to obtain a plant extract; and e) Optionally evaporating the extraction solvent to obtain a concentrated plant extract.
 15. Method according to claim 14, wherein the plants or plant parts are Cannabis sativa and/or Cannabis indica and/or Cannabis ruderalis, or citrus fruits. 